5. Respect
Interpreters treat all parties with respect, honoring each party’s identities,1 dignity, privacy, cultural values, autonomy, and areas of expertise.
To acknowledge the inherent dignity and unconditional value of all parties in the interpreted encounter and to create an environment that is inclusive, supportive, safe, and affirming.
Respect goes beyond acts of politeness and civility; it includes acts of caring, concern, and consideration for the feelings and needs of those present. Respect for the patient affirms their autonomy to speak for themselves and to make decisions without undue influence from others.
Standards of Practice
5.1 Respect the communicative autonomy of those for whom we interpret. 5.2 Respect the decision-making autonomy of those for whom we interpret. 5.3 Use professional and culturally appropriate ways of showing respect.People identify themselves in many different ways, such as, by race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status and sexual orientation. (Lancer, 2021). “Personal identity is about how you see yourself as “different” from those around you. Hobbies, education, interests, personality traits, and so on. Favorite foods, the roles you hold–“I’m the oldest in my family…. Social identities…include categories such as social class, race, gender identity, political affinity, and of course, religion and sexual orientation. (Lancer, 2021) “The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.” (Wade Davis, 2014) ↩︎